{SQT} A Devotional, Some History, and a Book of Bricks
BOOK REVIEWS! Which means tons of affiliate links that generate tens, and tens of cents for me every time you click and buy a book, or pack of Clearblue Fertility Monitor test strips.
1. He Speaks to You, Sr. Helena Burns FSP (of Twitter renown)
Since my newly discovered love of the Lectio Divina method, I’m always looking for new books to help encourage my habit. This daily devotional is perfect because every day of the year it lists a scripture verse, a brief meditation, an action step, a journal prompt, and a prayer. I especially appreciate the concise language, i.e. if you want paragraphs about feelings, and soft rain on a window while drinking tea and meditating on scripture, this is not the right devotional for you. If you don’t think you have time to read a devotional every day, or maybe establishing a regular prayer life seems impossible this is the book for you.
2. The Church Rocks! A History of the Catholic Church for Kids and Their Parents and Teachers, Mary Lea Hill, FSP
I’m a sucker for a good history book, and so when the sisters at the Pauline Media table showed this to me, I might have ooo’d and aaaa’d like I was examining a priceless diamond. This wonderfully designed and illustrated book covers the Church’s birth through the modern era. For the late elementary through middle school crowd, this is a great stand alone read, or accompaniment to any history curriculum. Each sections starts with a timeline and includes saint biographies, prayers, unusual trivia, activities, excerpts from historic documents, plus great summaries of important church events.
3. The Story of Civilization, Volume 3, The Making of the Modern World, Phillip Campbell
The latest book in the four book series by Tan Publishing covers world history from the Reformation to the 21st century. Volume 4, due out later next year I believe, will strictly cover American history. If you have ever wanted a solid Catholic book to explain the Reformation or French Revolution, this is a good place to start. The mix of story telling and non-fiction are perfect for reading aloud to younger students (or use the audio version). If you already own The Story of the World, I feel this series should be a required supplement.
However, I was very disappointed to see that rather than continue the series chronologically, they chose to put American history in it’s own volume. I wish Tan would’ve continued the series chronologically as an new option for the many families who want a Catholic alternative to The Story of the World.
Lastly, there is no mention of many great explorers, such as Magellan, Cortez, and Champlain, in this volume. Christopher Columbus wasn’t the only one setting sail during the 15th century. The Age of Exploration is a large chunk of what my family studies this year in history and it is a glaring omission in this volume. I hope that at least some of the North American explorers will be covered in the fourth book.
4. Catechism of the Seven Sacraments, Kevin and Mary O’Neill
Having a hard time getting your second grader excited about sacramental prep? Having a hard time getting your second grader to sit still for more than a few moments at a time? Then this is your book!!! Created by a Catholic homeschooling family, the Catechism of the Seven Sacraments covers all the bases in a clear, concise, yet thoroughly orthodox way. Each of the sacraments is broken into sections that show the history of the sacrament (when it was instituted and Old Testament foreshadowing) and how the grace we receive from it strengthens us to do the work of God. The rosary is covered, along with the ten commandments, the spiritual and corporal works of mercy, prayers, and so much more. The quality of the Lego builds and minifigures is impressive, and the visual quality of the book is engaging, even for adults. I admit to getting sucked into reading it! (To see more pictures of the inside, you can view the featured Story on my Instagram profile.)
5, 6, 7 No more reviews right now! But you’ll be happy to hear I’ve got more books coming (hopefully some giveaways too!), and 95% of my lesson planning for the first half of my homeschool year is done!
What have you read lately? Write about it in seven takes and link it up below. Be sure to include a link back to this post so your readers can find the rest of the Quick Takes. I look forward to reading your posts!
Wow… thanks for the book recommendations! That seven sacraments book is needed! My 9 yo (albeit already had sacramental prep) still seems “clueless” at times at Church. My husband and I feel like a failure teaching this kid. We see hope on our first grader who is more mature (doing second grade level work!) and just more in tune with such things. I hope the legos will get my 9 yo’s attention!